Patriots

Patriots-Chiefs Predictions: Gronk Is A Freak

Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots celebrates after scoring a touchdown late in the second quarter against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on November 13, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

New England Patriots

BOSTON (CBS) – The CBSBoston sports team makes their predictions for the New England Patriots Monday night matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Andy Gresh, 98.5 The Sports Hub

What will be the most interesting part of this game is the familiarity that the Kansas City staff has with Bill Belichick and the system that they run. They’ve got some pieces in Tamba Hali and Johnson and Brandon Flowers where you’ve got some matchup problems with the Patriots.

I don’t view this as a trap game. The Patriots should roll in this game.

Tyler Palko gets the start, and I like the kid. He was a three-year starter at Pitt, and the ball is going to get out of his hand as quick as he can.

Individual matchups are key in this game: it’s not going to be the Patriots defense against the Kansas City’s offense. It’s going to be who’s covering Dwayne Bowe, who’s going to be covering their tight ends, and who’s going to be watching Jackie Battle when he’s coming out of the backfield?

Bill Belichick will go individual matchups and this is a good test for them because against strong physical receivers, these defensive backs haven’t done well throughout the year. I look for the Patriots if they take control to get up early and put all the pressure on Palko and make it a one-dimensional game, that falls into their hands. Plus, let’s not forget that Romeo Crennel does know this system. He’s been base all year and they have nothing to lose, so look for them to do something exotic on the defensive front and hopefully the Pats will be ready for it.

Steve Burton, WBZ-TV

It’s a Monday night game, need I say more? From here on out, the Patriots need to separate themselves from the rest of the pack. They are already in first place and they have a chance to run the table, starting tonight with KC.

The Chiefs are hurting. Starting quarterback Matt Cassel had hand surgery last week, and now Kansas City has to rely on backup Tyler Palko. He’s a lefty that can throw on the run, so New England needs to keep him in check. And that goes for whoever is back there playing defensive back. it could be anyone now-a-days, just ask Julian Edelman.

On offense, we saw a glimpse of the old Ocho. Two catches against the Jets, and they were both big. If Tom Brady looks in his direction more, Ocho could catch fire and burn the Chiefs.

Wes Welker should have another big night. He is off Revis Island, and KC’s main focus will likely be on Rob Gronkowski. Gronk is a freak this season, and just killing teams no matter who is covering him.

Brady is back to his old self, an if that continues it could be a long night for the Chiefs.

Levan Reid, WBZ-TV

After predicting the Pats would lose against the Jets, I have eaten some crow and I am ready to predict again. The Patriots should win this game mainly because they are the better team.

Offensively they are playing at home and coming off of a game where they were able to move the ball up and down the field against their rival. And even though they did not run the ball well, they ran the ball and they kept is somewhat balanced. The Patriots will try and do that again.

Defensively, the Pats broke on through last week. They got a pass rush on the Jets and even after losing Devin McCourty, they were able to keep the defense together. They just may be getting used to having guys move in and out of the lineup. Plus, Bill Belichick is 3-0 lifetime against QB’s making their first start against him.

All Patriots on Monday night.

Dan Roche, WBZ-TV

This is a game on paper that the Pats should roll, but you never know. The Chiefs will keep it simple with Tyler Palko getting his first NFL start, filling in for the injured Matt Cassel. One player to watch because of this is Dexter McCluster. The RB/WR has been a disappointment so far, but Todd Haley may let him loose tonight. If Kansas City can get McCluster or back Jackie Battle going, it will take a lot pressure off their QB.

As for the Pats, they should jump out to a big early lead and then look to give the Chiefs a healthy dose of Ben-Jarvis Green-Ellis.

Pats win 33-14

Walt Perkins, WBZ NewsRadio 1030

The Patriots go into this game a little thin at the linebacker position with both Dane Fletcher and Brandon Spikes already ruled out. Under normal circumstances that might be an issue. But with Kansas City’s Matt Cassel done for the season, the Patriots defense will go up against untested QB Tyler Palko. I have the feeling that Bill Belichick will throw everyting INCLUDING the kitchen sink at Mr. Palko to see how he handles the pressure.

On offense, expect the Patriots to used a balanced attack and at some point go to the hurry-up or no huddle offense. No one runs it better than Tom Brady, who goes into the game needing 295 yards passing to establish a league record for most passing yards through the first ten games of the season.

New England finally has a healthy Sebastian Vollmer back on the offensive line. That should bode well for not only Brady but the running backs.

Chad Ochocinco has shown some glimpses that he does, indeed, have a grasp of the offense. Enough, at least, to be a significant contributor and I expect him to have a monster game Monday night against the Chiefs. That would be helpful given that Wes Welker is banged up.

Provided Brady doesn’t go down on the first series, like he did against this team a few years back, look for the Patriots to improve to 7-3 on the season with a solid, 34-16 win.

Tune in to the Patriots-Chiefs Monday Night showdown on 98.5 The Sports Hub. Pregame coverage begins at 5 pm, and after the game tune in to the postgame show on 98.5, and Patriots Fifth Quarter on My TV38.